Sara Lesnicki, R.N.

Rush-Copley is constantly striving for improvement and always looking to the future by anticipating the needs of  patients and employees.

Why did you choose nursing as a career? 

I chose nursing as a career because I wanted to help others.  Nursing to me, was a way to become a part of people's lives and to help make a small difference in the world, or at least in one life. 

What makes nursing at Rush Copley so special?

Rush -Copley makes their patients and families their priority.  Patient satisfaction and employee satisfaction is also important to the institution.  Nursing at Rush Copley gives you a chance to provide excellent patient care with advanced medical resources, yet in a "community setting."  You are given educational opportunities to help expand your knowledge. Rush-Copley gives their nurses security and every chance to self-govern their career. They are constantly striving for improvement and always looking to the future by anticipating the needs of patients and employees.

What is the greatest challenge nurses face today?

There are many challenges that nurses face on a daily basis.  The one that I feel is the greatest challenge is, the social economic piece of nursing.  It is difficult to have patients who have true medical problems and needs and they are not going to be able to continue the proper medical care at home.  With the resources today being stretched beyond their limit, there are patients, especially children, who "fall through the cracks" with the follow-up care.

What is your favorite aspect of nursing?

Nursing is a hard career but it is the most rewarding and also the most humbling career.  I enjoy being able to care for a broad spectrum of ages.  I am able to be part of their lives' and help them and/or their families.  I am able to provide direct hands-on care.  It is truly a dynamic career and an ever-changing profession.  Nursing, is a constant educational opportunity.

Do you have any advice for those interested in a nursing career?

GO FOR IT! You won't be disappointed, just maybe a little tired!

Is there a moment in your service at Rush-Copley that stands out in your mind?

I specifically remember one particular patient whom I cared for.  He suffered a severe stroke and was flaccid on his right side.  He was unable to walk or even bear any weight on the affected lower extremity.  Previous to the stroke, he was an active fisherman and enjoyed wood crafting.  He endured many set backs during his long hospitalization.  I was able to meet his many members of his family.  He was transferred to the rehab department and on his way out, I joked with him as he always did with me.  I told him I wanted him to walk back to see me after his physical therapy was completed.  He smiled, yet I was able to see the despair and sadness in his eyes.  I always wondered about the extent of his recovery.  Approximately three months later, I was standing at the nursing station and felt a tap on my shoulder.  I turned around and there he was, standing before me.  He opened his arms, hugged me tightly and whispered thank you in my ear.  He was walking, smiling and able to give me a firm hand grasp on his affected side.  He spoke clearly, and had very little residual from the stroke.  It brought tears to my eyes seeing him stand there so proudly. That achievement and success is truly what nursing is about.